Why Authenticity Matters
The Glass Baren™ was designed by Master printmaker Matt Bagley at Iron Frog Press. Since its introduction in 2013, it has become a trusted hand tool in printmaking studios, classrooms, and community workshops.
As its reputation has grown, imitations have surfaced. While others have attempted to create similar tools, Matt was the first to design and produce a glass baren specifically for printmakers, and the qualities that define the original are still unique to his design.
Choosing the authentic Glass Baren means choosing a tool designed, tested, and used by a printmaker who understands the demands of hand printing.
Why Printmakers Choose the Original Glass Baren
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Efficient: Smooth, dense glass provides steady, even pressure and glides effortlessly across paper.
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Easy to Use: Intuitive to learn. Suitable for beginners, educators, and working printmakers.
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Comfortable: Ergonomic handle (original to Matt’s design) supports long printing sessions without hand strain.
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Durable: Made from solid glass, resistant to studio chemicals, and built to last a lifetime.
How to Spot an Original Glass Baren
Check for these markers to ensure authenticity:
Feature
Original Shape & Design
Embedded or Applied Logo
Craftsmanship
Source
What to Look For
Created by inventor Matt Bagley, designed for printmaking
The Iron Frog Press logo is embedded in the glass or appears as the official logo sticker applied by us. Our main product photos always show the authentic logo placement.
Smooth curvature, consistent finish, and quality weight
Sold only through Iron Frog Press
If it does not come from Iron Frog Press, it is not the original.
Our Story
Matt Bagley originally designed the Print Frog® Glass Baren™ in 2013 for his own printing needs. He wanted a tool that could efficiently print large editions on warped blocks without aggravating shoulder and wrist strain.
When Matt shared his early prototypes with fellow printmakers, they immediately recognized the feel and performance of the tool. Word spread, and he began receiving requests from studios and educators asking if he had more available.
Matt refined the design and named it the Print Frog®, and in 2014 the high-performance glass baren was made available to the printmaking community.
Each baren is still hand crafted to Matt’s exact specifications by professional glassblowers in Dallas, Texas, tested in-studio, and used in every workshop we teach.
Testimonials
Ieuan Edwards – The Black Gold Press Instagram: @blackgoldpress
"I picked up a Print Frog not long after taking up printmaking. I had a small book press but wanted to make larger work; but at that stage, as a home printmaker, I couldn’t justify buying a more chunky press due to financial and space constraints. I quickly became a convert and, some years later, it’s my favourite way of making prints. My print in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition this year was made using the Frog. It obviously requires a touch more effort than a fancy etching press, but I enjoy the physical nature of hand burnishing and it’s a thing of beauty in its own right. The portability makes it a great tool for teaching and demonstrating that kitchen table printmaking doesn’t have to mean struggling with a wooden spoon!”
Lili Arnold – Lili Arnold Studios
Instagram: @liliarnoldstudios
“The Print Frog is the only baren I use, and probably will ever use! It just feels wonderful in my palm and the natural weight of the glass allows for a gentle and smooth burnish. It’s also just a beautiful object that I’m proud to display in my studio!”
Benjamin Muñoz
Instagram: @thebenmunoz
“I use the Print Frog often, and I printed my Endless Endeavor series using only Print Frogs. Three printmakers and I pulled the full editions from the series of 8ft by 4ft woodcuts totaling 18 prints at 100x52 each. I use them regularly around the studio, even when not printing, they make great paperweights and can work as an extra set of hands. I have two studios here in Dallas, one in north Dallas and the other in west Dallas. I can't move my press back and forth, but I can throw a Print Frog in my backpack and print in whichever studio I need to be in that day. I would recommend every printmaker have one or five of them.”
Lenny Lane
Instagram: @linolennyprints
“Print Frog has totally changed how I work in my relief printmaking practice. Since 2017 I’ve found it to be highly versatile for creating all my prints, large and small, without a press or large studio space. It’s paid for itself several times over. It fits the hand very comfortably and has some excellent weight properties that reduce the amount of physical effort required to take quality impressions. Being small it also works like a dream for taking to classes and demos. I highly recommended for anyone thinking about hand tools for relief printmaking.”
Kim Herringe
Instagram: @kimherringe
"I love love love my Print Frog! Its weight. How it feels in my hand. How sexy it looks. The ball handle is so easy to hold (especially for computer-mouse-worn wrists), and its weight does half the work for me. The curves in the glass are fabulous for getting to the stubborn areas of the Lino block. And its a favourite for students to work with in my linocut workshops. It really is a very treasured and special tool in my printmaking studio."